KEY POINTS
- Cde Chirinda honored as a national hero for his role in Zimbabwe’s liberation.
- Family and political leaders praised his dedication and commitment to national development.
- His body will be buried at the National Heroes Acre after tributes in Nyatsime and Matepatepa.
The late National Hero Cde Jaison Chirinda is honored as a hardworking and responsible patriot whose effort contributed to Zimbabwe liberation struggle.
People who attended the funeral at Denota Primary School in Chitungwiza included political leaders from the Nyatsime, friends and relatives who had come to pay their last respects to the late hero while recounting the efforts which he had put to ensure the development of Zimbabwe.
A life of service and dedication
The Nyatsime community, which came together to say goodbye, recalled Cde Chirinda as a modest and devoted man who was fervently committed to the advancement of the country.
“Cde Chirinda was a good man. He never quarreled with anyone, and he taught his children to follow in his footsteps,” shared a resident. His contribution to the liberation and growth of the country made a lasting impact, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.
Furthermore, the family of Cde Chirinda conveyed their appreciation for the national distinction that he received. Mr. Tendai Chirinda, his son, expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Politburo for making his father a national hero. “We have lost a family unifier, but we are proud of the legacy he left behind,” said Tendai.
A legacy of leadership
Honorable Godwin Tavaziva, the local member of parliament, acknowledged Cde Chirinda’s vital role as an advisor as part of the tributes given by local political leaders.
According to ZBC news, he claimed that “he played a critical role in guiding the community during elections.” Many people in the community were impacted by Cde Chirinda, and his influence went beyond his family.
Following the farewell party in Nyatsime, friends, family, and members of the local community paid their respects to Cde Chirinda’s body as it was flown to his remote home in Matepatepa, Mashonaland Central Province. Before being buried at the National Heroes Acre, his body would be returned to Harare and placed in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks.
A hero’s journey
Cde Chirinda was born in Goora, Madziwa, Mashonaland Central Province on the 1st of September 1942, and grew up in a family and community-minded environment. He trained with the 3 Leaves Brigade in military training in Tanzania in 1965 in the armed liberation movement.
Furthermore, after his other training in China, he moved to Zimbabwe to participate in a military campaign against Rhodesian forces in Sinoia (Chinhoyi).
Cde Chirinda was detained along with prominent revolutionary Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa and Cde Victor Mlambo for his courage and hard-working nature. Moreover, he was considered a real patriot, a man who devoted his life to liberating Zimbabwe.
Cde Chirinda left behind six children, nineteen grandchildren, and his wife Muchenje Monica. His legacy will endure because of the lives he impacted and the sacrifices he made for his country.
